It’s no secret that most New Year’s Resolutions don’t make it past a few weeks in practice. But despite this glaring truth, the high spirits of the New Year holiday get people charged up and ambitious with big aspirations anyway.
If your goal this New Year is to find a new IT job, then you’re in good company. Maybe a little too good, in fact. Even if your job search is not an impulsive New Year’s goal like so many others, the fact is that every January welcomes a huge surge of new job seekers.
It’s not altogether surprising why this job search spike exists when you look at the numbers from a recent Gallup Poll, which cited that 87% of employees are disengaged at work. It’s a well-known trend that low engagement leads to high turnover. January 1 – albeit an arbitrary date in reality – symbolizes a fresh slate for people to reflect on how to make their lives better, especially in their daily work.
With this in mind, it’s doubtful that sending out a handful of resumes or applying through job boards is going to get you the results you want. January is the month when companies, recruiters, and job boards are flooded with job seekers. Here are a few tips to standing out from the masses.
Update Your Resume and Online Profiles
How sure are you that your resume is a high-caliber representation of your background, experience, and skills? Chances are you’ve never had the opportunity to compare your resume to others in your field, so how do you know if your IT resume is enough to stand out? Have an old colleague, friend, family member, or, even better, an IT recruiter take a look at your resume. Make sure your most recent accomplishments and achievements are updated both on paper and on online profiles.
Reconnect with Your Network
Studies have shown that over 70% of organizations have a referral program to help them source top talent. What does this mean for you? It means that one of the best ways to find an IT job is by connecting with your network. Let family and friends know you’re on the look out for a new opportunity. Touch base with old colleagues, find out about local networking events, and stay active on LinkedIn.
Establish Your Motivation
Employers can be wary about New Year job seekers because it ends up costly to pursue a candidate only to find out later that they haven’t truly committed to leaving their old job. To really stand out from a mass of job seekers, it’s essential to portray your real interest in finding a new job. Be ready to answer typical interview questions like: “Why do you want to work here?” “Why are you leaving your old job” and “Why should we choose you over other applicants to this job?” These kinds of questions will uncover your commitment and motivation; if you’re serious, it will show.
Work with Your IT Recruiter
Working with an IT Recruiter to find your new IT job will give you the advantage when navigating a competitive market. IT staffing firms are excited to work with motivated talent, and if you’re serious about your job search, they will keep your best interests at heart. They already have the networks and valuable connections to find you an opportunity that fits. IT Recruiters will also have more insight on the marketplace than you do. Plus, they’ll take an in-depth look at your resume and prepare you for the interview process.
Ultimately, the key to a successful New Year’s job search is to differentiate yourself from the job seekers who are acting on a January 1st impulse. Nail down your motivation behind your job search, make sure you resume and profiles align with your goals, and reach out to your network as well as an IT recruiter to help find your next opportunity.
Ready to kick off your job search this January? IDR can help you start your New Year out right! Click here to view our open positions, or if you know someone who would be a great fit for a job, let us know!